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Abstract:

A geography puzzle and game platform for learning geography and
geographical information is disclosed. The geography puzzle and game
platform comprises a puzzle base and a plurality of puzzle pieces. The
puzzle pieces are arranged on the puzzle base by a user and are held to
the puzzle base by magnetism. The puzzle pieces are formed in the shape
of specific land masses. Metallic material or magnetic material is
provided on the puzzle pieces or the puzzle base to allow the puzzle
pieces to magnetically attach to puzzle base. A display is provided for
displaying puzzle and game information and a speaker is provided for
emitting audio information related to the puzzle or game. Each puzzle
piece comprises a puzzle piece identification for uniquely identifying
the puzzle piece. A plurality of sensors in the puzzle base detects the
puzzle piece identification of the puzzle piece.

Claims:

1. A geography puzzle and game platform comprising: a puzzle base; and a
plurality of plastic puzzle pieces, each plastic puzzle piece
magnetically attachable to the puzzle base.

2. The geography puzzle and game platform of claim 1, wherein the puzzle
base comprises metal and each plastic puzzle piece comprises a magnet.

3. The geography puzzle and game platform of claim 1, wherein the puzzle
base comprises at least one magnet and each plastic puzzle piece
comprises metal.

4. The geography puzzle and game platform of claim 1, wherein at least
one plastic puzzle piece is formed in a shape of a land mass.

5. The geography puzzle and game platform of claim 1, wherein at least
one plastic puzzle piece has terrain contours.

6. The geography puzzle and game platform of claim 1, the puzzle base
comprising: a metal layer; a plastic base disposed above portions of the
metal layer; and a plastic layer disposed above portions of the metal
layer not covered by the plastic base.

7. The geography puzzle and game platform of claim 1, further comprising:
a plurality of sensors disposed in the puzzle base; and a puzzle piece
identification disposed in each plastic puzzle piece, the puzzle piece
identification uniquely identifying the plastic puzzle piece.

9. The geography puzzle and game platform of claim 1, where each plastic
puzzle piece comprises a transparent plastic layer, a magnetic layer, a
printed layer, and a puzzle piece identification for uniquely identifying
the plastic puzzle piece.

10. The geography puzzle and game platform of claim 1, further
comprising: a plurality of game pieces for placing on the puzzle base or
the plurality of plastic puzzle pieces to indicate a user's position or
status.

11. The geography puzzle and game platform of claim 1, further
comprising: a display for displaying puzzle information or game
information.

12. The geography puzzle and game platform of claim 11, the puzzle
information or game information comprising instructions, questions,
information, feedback, hints, visual effects, pictures, game play, gaming
instructions, game turn information, game turn instructions, score,
points, or player information,

13. The geography puzzle and game platform of claim 1, further
comprising: a plurality of country flags attachable to the plurality of
plastic puzzle pieces.

14. The geography puzzle and game platform of claim 1, further
comprising: a speaker for emitting audio information; and a connector for
connecting the puzzle base to a computer.

15. A geography puzzle and game platform comprising: a puzzle base, the
puzzle base comprising: a metal layer; a plastic base disposed above
portions of the metal layer; and a plastic layer disposed above portions
of the metal layer not covered by the plastic base; and a plurality of
magnetic puzzle pieces magnetically attachable to the metal layer.

16. The geography puzzle and game platform of claim 15, further
comprising: a plurality of game pieces for placing on the puzzle base or
the plurality of magnetic puzzle pieces to indicate a user's position or
status, each game piece comprising a game piece identification to
uniquely identify the game piece.

17. The geography puzzle and game platform of claim 15, each magnetic
puzzle piece comprising a magnetic layer, a plastic layer, a printed
layer, and a puzzle piece identification.

18. The geography puzzle and game platform of claim 15, further
comprising: a display for displaying puzzle information or game
information; a speaker for emitting audio; and a connector for connecting
the puzzle base to a computer.

19. A geography puzzle and game platform comprising: a puzzle base, the
puzzle base comprising: a metal layer; a plastic base disposed above
portions of the metal layer; a plastic layer disposed above portions of
the metal layer not covered by the plastic base; a plurality of sensors
disposed between the metal layer and the plastic layer; a display for
displaying puzzle information or game information; a speaker for emitting
audio; and a connector for connecting the puzzle base to a computer; and
a plurality of magnetic puzzle pieces magnetically attachable to the
metal layer, each magnetic puzzle piece comprising a puzzle piece
identification uniquely identifying the magnetic puzzle piece.

20. The geography puzzle and game platform of claim 19, further
comprising: a plurality of game pieces for placing on the puzzle base or
the plurality of magnetic puzzle pieces to indicate a user's position or
status, each game piece comprising a game piece identification to
uniquely identify the game piece.

Description:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to puzzles and games. More
specifically, the present invention discloses a puzzle with shaped puzzle
pieces that attach to a puzzle base to provide an effective geography
education tool and entertaining game platform.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] The study of geography is a fundamental of education. However, it
can be difficult for students to grasp physical relationships or features
of various countries and continents with the current educational tools.

[0005] Traditionally, students study geography using a flat
two-dimensional map. The conventional flat two-dimensional map is
typically a printed piece of paper containing outlines of various
countries.

[0006] When used as a learning tool, students must solely rely on
memorization in order to learn the various countries on the map. However,
it is difficult for students to learn relationships between countries,
country locations, and shapes of countries as the countries printed on
the map are fixed.

[0007] A number of flat maps can be bound in a book to form an atlas.
However, the conventional atlas has the same disadvantages as a single
flat map.

[0008] A conventional globe is another traditional tool to learn
geography. Outlines of countries of the world are printed on a paper
which is then adhered to a round cardboard ball. While students can
obtain a better sense of country location than with a map, the printed
map of the globe is fixed and the student has difficulty learning country
shape.

[0009] Furthermore, the conventional map and globe fail to provide an
entertaining means of learning geography locations and facts.

[0010] Therefore, there is need for an improved means of effectively
providing and learning geographical information in an entertaining and
informative manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] To achieve these and other advantages and in order to overcome the
disadvantages of the conventional methods in accordance with the purpose
of the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, the present
invention provides a geography puzzle and game platform with shaped
puzzle pieces that attach to a base to provide an effective geography
education tool and entertaining gaming system.

[0012] The geography puzzle and game platform of the present invention
comprises a puzzle base and a plurality of puzzle pieces. Each of the
puzzle pieces is attachable to the puzzle base. For example, the puzzle
base comprises metal and each puzzle piece comprises a magnet. Users
place the magnetic puzzle piece onto the metallic puzzle base and
magnetism holds the puzzle piece to the puzzle base.

[0013] Alternatively, the puzzle pieces comprise a plastic material with a
metallic layer and the puzzle base comprises a magnet or a plurality of
magnets disposed on the interior or exterior of the puzzle base.

[0014] Also, in order to improve the effectiveness of learning, the puzzle
pieces are formed in the shape of a land mass. For example, the puzzle
piece is in the shape of a country, state, continent, province, region,
etc. Some areas such as, for example, water, oceans, and seas are formed
in the puzzle base during production of the puzzle base.

[0015] Additionally, the puzzle pieces are contoured to show mountains,
mountain ranges, and terrain contours. This allows students to learn
additional information.

[0016] The puzzle pieces of the geography puzzle and game platform further
comprise data or information about the land mass or water mass such as
country information, continent information, state information, province
information, region information, territory information, etc. This further
increases the amount of information the student can learn when using the
geography puzzle and game platform.

[0017] When the data or information is provided on the outer side of the
puzzle piece the student can easily reference the information. When the
data or information is provided on the inner side of the puzzle piece the
data is visible or is hidden and the student can challenge their
memorization of the information.

[0018] The puzzle base further comprises markings or indicators such as
longitudinal and latitudinal indicators, land mass location or outline,
or water mass location or outline. These markings provide a visual
prompting for the student and make the puzzle easier for beginning
students or allow the student to learn additional longitudinal and
latitudinal information.

[0019] To further expand learning, the geography puzzle and game platform
further comprises a plurality of game pieces that are attachable to the
plurality of puzzle pieces or to the puzzle base. The puzzle pieces and
the game pieces comprise a unique piece identification that allows the
puzzle base to identify the puzzle piece and game piece.

[0020] A display and speaker provide visual and audio feedback to the
user.

[0021] In addition to providing puzzles, the present invention provides a
gaming platform so the puzzle pieces and the game pieces can be utilized
by users to play entertaining educational games with the geography puzzle
and gaming platform. The game pieces are utilized on top of the puzzle
pieces, on top of the base plastic layer, or on top of a pathway formed
in the plastic base in order for users to play different games.

[0022] These and other objectives of the present invention will become
obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following
detailed description of preferred embodiments.

[0023] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description
and the following detailed description are exemplary, and are intended to
provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a
part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the
invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the
principles of the invention. In the drawings:

[0025] FIGS. 1A-1B are drawings illustrating a puzzle base of a geography
puzzle and game platform according to embodiments of the present
invention;

[0026] FIGS. 2A-2B are cross-sectional drawings illustrating a puzzle base
of a geography puzzle and game platform according to embodiments of the
present invention;

[0027] FIGS. 2C-2D are cross-sectional drawings illustrating a geography
puzzle and game platform according to embodiments of the present
invention;

[0028] FIG. 3A is a drawing illustrating a top view of a puzzle piece of a
geography puzzle and game platform according to an embodiment of the
present invention;

[0029] FIG. 3B is a drawing illustrating a side view of a puzzle piece of
a geography puzzle and game platform according to an embodiment of the
present invention;

[0030] FIG. 3C is a drawing illustrating a side view of a puzzle piece
with terrain contours of a geography puzzle and game platform according
to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 4A is a drawing illustrating a plastic puzzle piece with
printing on the front of the plastic puzzle piece according to an
embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 4B is a drawing illustrating a plastic puzzle piece with
printing on the back of the plastic puzzle piece according to an
embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 5A is a drawing illustrating a plastic puzzle piece with
magnet according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] FIGS. 5B-5C are drawings illustrating a plastic puzzle piece with
printing and magnet according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 5D is a drawing illustrating a magnet molded inside the
plastic puzzle piece according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 6A is a drawing illustrating a puzzle piece with magnet and
piece identification according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional drawing illustrating a geography
puzzle and game platform with piece identification and sensor according
to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] FIG. 6C is a drawing illustrating a puzzle base with a plurality of
sensors according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 6D is a drawing illustrating a puzzle base with speaker
according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 6E is a drawing illustrating a puzzle base with light emitting
diode according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 6F is a drawing illustrating a puzzle base with display
according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] FIG. 7A is a drawing illustrating a puzzle base with game pieces
according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional drawing of a game piece with game
piece identification according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional drawing of a game piece with magnet
according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional drawing of a game piece with a game
piece identification and magnet according to an embodiment of the present
invention; and

[0046] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a puzzle base of a geography
puzzle and game platform according to an embodiment of the present
invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments
of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are
used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like
parts.

[0048] Refer to FIGS. 1A-1B, which are drawings illustrating a puzzle base
of a geography puzzle and game platform according to embodiments of the
present invention.

[0049] The geography puzzle and game platform 100 of the present invention
comprises a puzzle base 150. The puzzle base 150 comprises a rigid or
semi-rigid base for the geography puzzle and game platform 100 and allows
puzzle pieces to attach magnetically to the puzzle base 150.

[0050] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A the puzzle base 150
comprises a puzzle outline 151 to show the boarder of the puzzle and
indicate the subject of the puzzle. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
1A the puzzle outline 151 indicates that the subject of the puzzle is the
United States.

[0051] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1B the puzzle base 150
comprises a puzzle outline 151 to show the boarder of the puzzle and
indicate the subject of the puzzle and a piece outline 152 to show the
location of the puzzle piece. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1B
the puzzle outline 151 indicates that the subject of the puzzle is the
United States and the piece outline 152 shows the location of the State
of Arizona. The piece outline 152 allows beginning students to learn
locations before being challenged on a puzzle not including the piece
outline 152.

[0053] In the embodiment of the present invention the puzzle base 150
further comprises markings that indicate longitude and latitude. In this
embodiment the longitudinal and latitudinal indicators provide a
reference for the user. Additionally, in embodiments where longitudinal
and latitudinal information is provided on the puzzle piece, the user can
more easily locate the proper position for the puzzle piece.

[0054] In another embodiment of the present invention the puzzle base 150
further comprises markings that indicate land mass or water mass. For
example, outlines of oceans or continents are provided so users can
easily match the shape of the puzzle piece to the markings to find the
correct position and orientation for the puzzle piece.

[0055] Refer to FIG. 2A, which is a cross-sectional drawing illustrating a
puzzle base of a geography puzzle and game platform according to an
embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] In an embodiment of the present invention the base plastic layer
130 further comprises colors, drawings, or graphics. For example, the
base plastic layer 130 comprises different colors or drawings to indicate
divisions between puzzle piece locations.

[0061] In an embodiment of the present invention the base plastic layer
130 extends to the inner edges of the plastic base 120.

[0062] In an embodiment of the present invention the base plastic layer
130 extends to the outer edges of the plastic base 120.

[0063] Refer to FIG. 2B, which is a cross-sectional drawing illustrating a
puzzle base of a geography puzzle and game platform according to an
embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2B is similar to the embodiment
of FIG. 2A, however, in the embodiment of FIG. 2B the base metal layer is
replaced by a base magnetic layer 140. In this embodiment the base
magnetic layer 140 allows puzzle pieces comprising metal material to
attach magnetically to the puzzle base 150.

[0065] Refer to Figure to 2C, which is a cross-sectional drawing
illustrating a geography puzzle and game platform according to an
embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2C the geography puzzle and
game platform 100 comprises a base metal layer 110, a plastic base 120, a
base plastic layer 130 (puzzle base 150 of FIG. 2A), and a puzzle piece
210 or a plurality of puzzle pieces 210.

[0067] The puzzle piece 210 comprises a magnet to allow the puzzle piece
210 to magnetically attach to the base metal layer 110.

[0068] Refer to Figure to 2D, which is a cross-sectional drawing
illustrating a geography puzzle and game platform according to an
embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2D the geography puzzle and
game platform 100 comprises a base magnetic layer 140, a plastic base
120, a base plastic layer 130 (puzzle base 150 of FIG. 2B), and a puzzle
piece 210 or a plurality of puzzle pieces 210.

[0071] Refer to FIG. 3A, which is a drawing illustrating a top view of a
puzzle piece of a geography puzzle and game platform according to an
embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the present
invention illustrated in FIG. 3A, the puzzle piece 210 is formed in the
shape of a land mass such as, for example, a country, a continent, a
state, a province, a region, a territory or a water mass such as, for
example, a lake, an ocean, or a sea. For example, the puzzle piece 210
illustrated in FIG. 3A is formed in the shape of the State of Arizona.

[0072] Since the shape of the puzzle pieces 210 relate to the shape of the
land mass or water mass, the user learns the geographical shape as well
as the position/location of the land or water mass. This is an advantage
of the present invention.

[0073] In some embodiments of the present invention the puzzle pieces 210
of the geography puzzle and game platform further comprise data 299 or
information about the land mass or water mass such as country
information, continent information, state information, province
information, region information, territory information, land mass
information, water mass information, mountain information, country flag,
sports team information, advertising, population, logo, latitudinal
information, longitudinal information, global positioning satellite
information, or elevation information, or a combination of country
information, continent information, state information, province
information, region information, territory information, land mass
information, water mass information, mountain information, country flag,
sports team information, population, logo, latitudinal information,
longitudinal information, global positioning satellite information, and
elevation information. This further increases the amount of information
the student can learn when using the puzzle.

[0074] For example, the data 299 of the puzzle piece 210 illustrated in
FIG. 3A comprises the name of the State of Arizona and an indicator where
the state capital is located.

[0075] Refer to FIG. 3B, which is a drawing illustrating a side view of a
puzzle piece of a geography puzzle and game platform according to an
embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] In an embodiment of the present invention the puzzle piece 210
comprises a piece magnetic layer 215 and a piece printed layer 220. The
piece printed layer 220 is, for example, printed directly on the piece
magnetic layer 215 or printed on a separate layer and adhered to the
piece magnetic layer 215.

[0077] Refer to FIG. 3C, which is a drawing illustrating a side view of a
puzzle piece with terrain contours of a geography puzzle according to an
embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] In an embodiment of the present invention the puzzle piece 210
further comprises contours 211 to represent terrains, mountains, mountain
ranges, or elevations. This allows the user to further learn information
about terrains and elevations. The user can easily see and understand
mountain formations of various countries. This is another advantage of
the present invention.

[0079] In an embodiment of the present invention the contours 211 are
integrated into the puzzle piece 210.

[0080] In another embodiment of the present invention the contours 211 are
formed in a piece separate from the basic puzzle piece and the contoured
piece attaches to the basic puzzle piece. This provides an increased
difficulty level for the student as they need to understand country
location as well as terrain location.

[0081] Since some land masses, such as islands, are quite small it is not
feasible to form the puzzle piece 210 in a separate piece. Therefore, in
an embodiment of the present invention the land mass is combined with a
water mass or a portion of a water mass to form the puzzle piece 210. For
example, an island or a plurality of islands is/are combined with an
ocean puzzle piece.

[0082] In an embodiment the small land mass is included with a portion of
a water mass. However, the land mass shape is retained by forming the
portion of the water mass in the shape of the small land mass.

[0083] In an embodiment of the present invention a plurality of small land
masses are formed in one puzzle piece.

[0084] In an embodiment of the present invention a small land mass is
combined with a larger land mass in one puzzle piece.

[0085] Refer to FIG. 4A, which is a drawing illustrating a plastic puzzle
piece with printing on the front of the plastic puzzle piece according to
an embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A, the plastic puzzle piece
210 comprises a piece plastic layer 212 that provides a base for the
plastic puzzle piece 210. The piece plastic layer 212 is formed in the
shape of a specific land mass. For example, the piece plastic layer 212
is formed in the shape of California, Europe, Thailand, etc.

[0087] The plastic puzzle piece 210 further comprises a printed layer 220.
In this embodiment the printed layer 220 is disposed on the front surface
of the piece plastic layer 212. The printed layer 220 of the plastic
puzzle piece 210 is clearly visible on the front surface of the piece
plastic layer 212 and provides additional information or features for the
plastic puzzle piece 210. The piece printed layer 220 comprises, for
example, colors, outlines, geographical markers, place names, etc.

[0088] Refer to FIG. 4B, which is a drawing illustrating a plastic puzzle
piece with printing on the back of the plastic puzzle piece according to
an embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4B the printed layer 220 is
disposed on the back surface of the piece plastic layer 212. In this
embodiment of the present invention the piece plastic layer 212 comprises
a transparent plastic material. Since the piece plastic layer 212 is
transparent, the details of the printed layer 220 are visible from the
front side of the piece plastic layer 212. Positioning the printed layer
220 behind the piece plastic layer 212 provides protection from scratches
or damages for the printed layer 220 as the printed layer 220 is not
exposed.

[0090] Refer to FIG. 5A, which is a drawing illustrating a plastic puzzle
piece with magnet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5A the plastic puzzle piece
210 comprises a piece plastic layer 212 and a piece magnetic layer 215
disposed on the back surface of the piece plastic layer 212. The piece
magnetic layer 215 along with the base metal layer of the puzzle base
allows the plastic puzzle piece 210 to magnetically attach to the puzzle
base.

[0092] Refer to FIG. 5B, which is a drawing illustrating a plastic puzzle
piece with printing and magnet according to an embodiment of the present
invention.

[0093] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5B the plastic puzzle piece
210 comprises a transparent piece plastic layer 212, a piece magnetic
layer 215, and a printed layer 220. The printed layer 220 is disposed on
the back surface of the piece plastic layer 212. The piece magnetic layer
215 is disposed on the printed layer 220 with the printed layer 220
between the piece magnetic layer 215 and the piece plastic layer 212.
Since the piece plastic layer 212 is transparent the details of the
printed layer 220 are visible from the front of the piece plastic layer
212.

[0094] Refer to FIG. 5C, which is a drawing illustrating a plastic puzzle
piece with printing and magnet according to an embodiment of the present
invention.

[0096] The piece magnetic layer 215 is disposed on the back surface of the
piece plastic layer 212. The printed layer 220 is disposed on the front
surface of the piece plastic layer 212.

[0097] Refer to FIG. 5D, which is a drawing illustrating a magnet molded
inside the plastic puzzle piece according to an embodiment of the present
invention.

[0098] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5D the plastic puzzle piece
210 comprises a piece plastic layer 212, a printed layer 220 disposed on
the front surface of the piece plastic layer 212, and a piece magnet 215
molded into or molded inside of the piece plastic layer 212.

[0099] Embedding or molding the piece magnet 215 into the piece plastic
layer 212 prevents the piece magnet 215 from being easily separated from
the piece plastic layer 212.

[0100] Refer to FIG. 6A, which is a drawing illustrating a puzzle piece
with magnet and puzzle piece identification according to an embodiment of
the present invention.

[0101] In an embodiment of the present invention the puzzle piece 210
comprises a piece magnetic layer 215, a piece plastic layer 212, a
printed layer 220, and a puzzle piece identification 298.

[0102] The piece magnetic layer 215 is disposed on the back surface of the
piece plastic layer 212. The printed layer 220 is disposed on the front
surface of the piece plastic layer 212. The puzzle piece identification
298 is disposed on the back surface of the piece magnetic layer 215.

[0103] The puzzle piece identification 298 is a unique identifier for each
puzzle piece 210. Reading the puzzle piece identification 298 allows the
geography puzzle and game platform to identify which puzzle piece 210 is
being used or placed on the puzzle base.

[0105] In an embodiment of the present invention each puzzle piece 210
comprises a plurality of puzzle piece identification 298. A plurality of
puzzle piece identification 298 allows the geography puzzle and game
platform to determine the orientation of the puzzle piece 210. For
example, to determine if the puzzle piece 210 was placed upside down or
at an angle.

[0106] Refer to FIG. 6B, which is a cross-sectional drawing illustrating a
geography puzzle and game platform with puzzle piece identification and
sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6B the geography puzzle and
game platform 100 comprises a base metal layer 110, a plastic base 120, a
base plastic layer 130, at least one sensor 160, and a puzzle piece 210
or a plurality of puzzle pieces 210, each puzzle piece 210 comprising a
puzzle piece identification 298.

[0108] The puzzle piece identification 298 is a unique identifier for each
puzzle piece 210. When the puzzle piece 210 is placed on the base plastic
layer 130 of the puzzle base, the sensor 160 reads the puzzle piece
identification 298 or reads data in the puzzle piece identification 298
and allows the geography puzzle and game platform to identify which
puzzle piece 210 is being used or placed on the puzzle base.

[0109] Refer to FIG. 6C, which is a drawing illustrating a puzzle base
with a plurality of sensors according to an embodiment of the present
invention.

[0110] In an embodiment of the present invention the puzzle base 150
comprises a plurality of sensors 160.

[0111] As described above, when a puzzle piece is placed on the puzzle
base 150, the sensor 160 reads the puzzle piece identification of the
puzzle piece and allows the geography puzzle and game platform to
identify which puzzle piece is being used and if it the puzzle piece was
placed in the correct position or location.

[0112] For example, if the user places the puzzle piece 210 of the State
of Washington in the location of Kansas, the sensor in the Kansas
location reads the puzzle piece identification and the puzzle determines
that the puzzle piece 210 is Washington and that the user has placed the
puzzle piece 210 in the incorrect location.

[0113] In this embodiment the puzzle base 150 further comprises electronic
circuitry such as, for example, memory, firmware, and controller to
interface with the sensors to determine the identification of the puzzle
piece 210 and whether or not the puzzle piece 210 has been placed in the
correct location.

[0114] Refer to FIG. 6D, which is a drawing illustrating a puzzle base
with speaker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6D the puzzle base 150
further comprises a speaker 170. Audio emitted from the speaker 170
comprises instructions, questions, information, feedback, sound effects,
or hints. For example, when the user places the correct puzzle piece in
the correct location the words "You are correct" are emitted from the
speaker. Or, for example, a question such as "This is the fourth largest
state" is emitted and the user needs to identify the correct state puzzle
piece and place it in the correct location on the puzzle base.

[0116] Refer to FIG. 6E, which is a drawing illustrating a puzzle base
with light emitting diode according to an embodiment of the present
invention.

[0117] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6E the puzzle base 150
further comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED) 170.

[0118] The LED 170 provides visual feedback to indicate if the user has
placed the correct puzzle piece in the correct location. For example, one
color of LED 170 indicates "Correct" and one color of LED 170 indicates
"Incorrect".

[0119] Refer to FIG. 6F, which is a drawing illustrating a puzzle base
with display according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6F the puzzle base 150
further comprises a display 175.

[0122] In embodiments of the present invention wherein the display 175
comprises a touchscreen display, the user interacts with the display
while playing a game or completing a puzzle by touching the screen to
make selections, choices, game selections, turn selections, or menu
option selections.

[0123] The puzzle base 150 further comprises an interface connector 176
for allowing a user to connect the puzzle base 150 to an electronic
device such as, for example, a computer. Once connected, the data and
information stored in the puzzle base 150 is updated or uploaded via the
internet. For example, new puzzles are added, high scores are uploaded,
firmware is updated, new games are added, etc. to allow the geography
puzzle and game platform of the present invention to be flexibly updated
and upgraded.

[0124] Refer to FIG. 7A, is a drawing illustrating a puzzle base with game
pieces according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] In an embodiment of the present invention a plurality of game
pieces 300 are provided. The game pieces 300 are placed on puzzle pieces
or the puzzle base 150 for playing a game. Each player selects a game
piece 300 or a plurality of game pieces 300 that are to be under the
player's control during the game.

[0126] Refer to FIG. 7B, which is a cross-sectional drawing of a game
piece with game piece identification according to an embodiment of the
present invention.

[0127] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7B the game piece 300
comprises a game piece body 310 and a game piece identification 320. The
game piece body 310 provides a body to allow the user to easily grasp and
move the game piece 300.

[0128] The game piece identification 320 is similar to the puzzle piece
identification and allows the puzzle base to determine the unique
identity of a game piece 300 and to distinguish between game pieces 300.

[0129] While playing a game the user moves the game piece 300 around or
across the puzzle base and the sensors in the puzzle base sense the
location and identity of the game piece 300 and the puzzle base maintains
game play data.

[0130] Refer to FIG. 7C, which is a cross-sectional drawing of a game
piece with magnet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0131] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7C the game piece 300
comprises a game piece body 310 and a game piece magnet 330.

[0132] When a player places the game piece 300 on top of the base plastic
layer or the plastic base the game piece magnet 330 magnetically attaches
to the puzzle base.

[0133] When a player places the game piece 300 on top of a puzzle piece
the game piece magnet 330 magnetically attaches to the puzzle piece.

[0134] Refer to FIG. 7D, which is a cross-sectional drawing of a game
piece with a game piece identification and magnet according to an
embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7D the game piece 300
comprises a game piece body 310, a game piece identification 320, and a
game piece magnet 330.

[0136] The function of the game piece body 310, the game piece
identification 320, and the game piece magnet 330 are as describe in
regard to FIG. 7B-7C.

[0137] Refer to FIG. 8, which is a drawing illustrating a puzzle base of a
geography puzzle and game platform according to an embodiment of the
present invention.

[0138] In addition to providing puzzles, the present invention provides a
gaming platform so the puzzle pieces and the game pieces can be utilized
by users to play entertaining educational games with the geography puzzle
and gaming platform. The game pieces are utilized on top of the puzzle
pieces, on top of the base plastic layer, or on top of a pathway formed
in the plastic base in order for users to play different games.

[0139] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the plastic base of the
puzzle base 150 further comprises an inner pathway 120A and an outer
pathway 120B. Both the inner pathway 120A and the outer pathway 120B
comprise sectioned spaces for game players to move their game pieces
around the puzzle base 150. Each sectioned space indicates one unit of
movement for the player. For example, if the player rolls a "6" on a die
or dice the player will move 6 sectioned spaces on the pathway.

[0140] The outer pathway 120B further comprises a handle pathway 120E
acting as a fast-track for allowing players to advance or retreat quickly
along the outer pathway 120B or acting as a penalty area where players
are sent as a penalty. For example, if a player lands on the handle
pathway 120E the player is allowed to advance forward or move backward
around the outer pathway 120B and the handle pathway 120E only counts as
one sectioned space or does not count as a sectioned space. Or for
example, if a player lands on a specific space on the puzzle base that is
designated as a penalty space the player is sent to the handle pathway
120E to penalize the player.

[0141] In an embodiment of the present invention cards or tiles are
provided to be placed on the sectioned spaces of the pathways. Before
beginning the game, a player shuffles the cards and then the cards are
placed on each of the sectioned spaces. This allows for every game to be
different every time it is played. This is an advantage of the present
invention. The cards or tiles comprise information such as, for example,
city name, country name, street name, province name, game instructions,
game commands, bonus, move forward, move backward, change pathway, or
lose a turn.

[0142] In an embodiment of the present invention the sectioned spaces of
the inner pathway 120A and the outer pathway 120B increase and decrease
in height like a staircase around the pathways. This allows the player to
move between the inner pathway 120A and the outer pathway 120B during
game play. For example, if a player is at an intersection or on a certain
stair on the pathway the player rolls the dice to determine whether they
move to the inner pathway 120A, the outer pathway 120B, up stairs, or
down stairs. For example, an odd number causes the player to go to the
inner pathway 120A or up the stairs and an even number causes the player
to go to the outer pathway 120B or down the stairs.

[0143] In an embodiment of the present invention the inner pathway 120A
further comprises an inner corner 120C and the outer pathway 120B further
comprises an outer corner 120D.

[0144] In an embodiment of the present invention icons or objects are
provided to be placed on the inner corner 120C and the outer corner 120D.
The objects comprise icons or objects that match with the game theme or
the geographical location. For example, the icons or objects comprise
casino games, carousel, Ferris wheel, the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel
Tower, a bridge, an airport, a freeway, a port, or other distinguishing
landmark.

[0145] In an embodiment of the present invention players are given
opportunities to play mini-games within the main game being played. For
example, the game is related to Las Vegas, Nev. and mini-games comprise
casino games where the player can obtain more points or value. Or for
example, the game is related to the Olympics or to a location where the
Olympics are being held, players can perform athletic maneuvers to gain
points or value.

[0146] In an embodiment of the present invention areas on the puzzle base
where there is a water mass such as, for example, a lake, an ocean, or a
sea are formed in or on the puzzle base during production. This provides
the user with a starting point in which to begin solving the geography
puzzle and also provides a reference for the user while solving the
geography puzzle.

[0147] For example, the water mass indicating the Pacific Ocean is formed
in the surface of the puzzle base during production. Additionally,
indicators for other water masses such as the Atlantic Ocean are also
formed in the puzzle base during production. For example, water mass
locations are colored, indented, protruding, or outlined so that the
locations of the water masses are easily visible and fixed.

[0148] Areas of the puzzle base indicating land masses are where the
appropriate puzzle pieces are to be positioned.

[0149] In an embodiment of the present invention the land masses comprise
indications of the respective land mass. For example, name, outline, etc.
are provided to help the user.

[0150] In an embodiment of the present invention no indicators or
indications are provided to indicate the position or location of the land
masses. This makes solving the puzzle more challenging.

[0151] In an embodiment of the present invention the geography puzzle and
game platform further comprises separate flag pieces representing the
flags of individual countries. After the puzzle piece is positioned the
user places the appropriate flag piece on/in the puzzle piece.

[0152] In an embodiment of the present invention the geography puzzle and
game platform further comprises separate informational pieces. The
informational pieces allow the geography puzzle and game platform to be
personalized. The informational pieces comprise information such as, for
example, sports team, advertising, company logo, etc. For example, a
multinational corporation could provide informational pieces for
indicating branch office locations.

[0153] The geography puzzle and game platform of the present invention
provides flexibility in learning. For example, basic puzzle pieces such
as continents can be used by beginner students and more advanced puzzle
pieces such as countries can be used by advanced students.

[0154] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without
departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In view of the
foregoing, it is intended that the present invention cover modifications
and variations of this invention provided they fall within the scope of
the invention and its equivalent.

Patent applications by Ming-Yuan Wu, Taipei City TW

Patent applications in class Geometrical figures, pictures, and maps

Patent applications in all subclasses Geometrical figures, pictures, and maps